Community of St Mary the Virgin

Community of St Mary the Virgin is an Anglican convent in Wantage, Oxfordshire, in the Vale of White Horse district. The convent is still home to a working community of sisters, and part of the site welcomes visitors on retreat.

Who are the sisters?

Known as CSMV, the community was established in 1848 by William John Butler, then vicar of Wantage. It ranks among the oldest religious orders still active in the Church of England. Over the decades the sisters have focused on spiritual direction, leading retreats and offering hospitality.

What is there to see?

The convent complex, St Mary's Convent, includes several buildings on the National Heritage List for England:

• St Mary Magdalene's Chapel, designed by G. E. Street and built in the late 1850s, listed Grade II*, one of the higher levels of protection;
• the main convent building, a Gothic Revival range completed in 1855-6 and later extended, listed Grade II;
• the gateway and flanking walls, another Street design, Grade II;
• White Lodge, a lodge beside the convent, Grade II*.

A newer retreat wing, blessed in 2019, sits alongside these older buildings.

Can visitors enter the chapel?

Guests can join the sisters for the Daily Office and Eucharist in St Mary Magdalene's Chapel. Those staying on retreat can also use a smaller chapel for silent prayer. Services run daily except Mondays, though times change, so confirm them with the community before you go. This is a place of worship rather than a sightseeing stop: keep quiet and avoid photography during services.

Can you stay overnight?

Yes. The retreat wing has 21 bedrooms, 14 of them en suite, including two adapted for guests with disabilities. Options include individual retreats, quiet days, conducted retreats and residential stays for organised groups. There is an annual retreat for beginners, plus vocation weekends for anyone considering life in a community. Students receive a discount.

How do you get there?

Wantage lies in southern Oxfordshire, about 25 km south-west of Oxford. The easiest way is by car, or by bus from Oxford or Didcot. The town has no railway station; the nearest is Didcot Parkway. The convent stands in the Belmont area of Wantage.

Frequently asked questions

When was the community founded? In 1848, on the initiative of the vicar of Wantage, William John Butler.

Is it a working convent? Yes. The sisters live there permanently, so arrange any visit in advance.

Is the chapel a protected building? Yes. St Mary Magdalene's Chapel is listed Grade II*.

Do I have to be Anglican to go on retreat? Guests come from many backgrounds. Check the community's website for current details and bookings.